Learner autonomy has been a key area in foreign language teaching for more than 30 years. Researchers agree that learner autonomy could make learning more effective and that teachers play very significant role in improving learner autonomy. In many cases teachers’ beliefs concerning learner autonomy would influence their teaching practices. Many existing studies regarding learner autonomy are conducted from the perspective of students. However, fewer researches have been carried out from the perspective of teachers’ beliefs, especially in China. In order to address the gap, the present study tried to explore the EFL (English as Foreign Language) teachers’ beliefs and practices concerning learner autonomy. Four English teachers from two universities were purposefully selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed by a narrative inquiry. Findings suggested that participants held positive attitude towards developing learner autonomy. Teachers’ roles as a facilitator, a counselor and a resource got general approbation. Yet their teaching practices showed different degrees of intervention in promoting learner autonomy. In addition, due to some difficulties they had encountered there were some mismatches between teachers’ beliefs and their teaching practices. Even though their practice provided some support of learner autonomy, they adopted traditional teaching more frequently and seldom provided learners with opportunities for decision making. It is hoped that this study can provide some inspirations for the future research.

Xu Jinfen，Peng Renzhong，Wu Weiping. An investigation and an analysis of autonomous English learning ability of non English majors. Foreign Language Teaching and Research (bimonthly ), 2004, (1): 64-68.